“How do we move on?” I barely whisper.
“Whatever way you want. Either way, you’re just as much my daughter now as you were before you found out,” he promises.
It makes me break into a sob, mostly because I hear how much it’s true. This man loves fearlessly, and I’ve always been lucky to be his little girl. I just can’t figure out if my identity is now different.
I wipe away a tear with the back of my hand and sniffle. “I believe you, but I just need to process.”
“I get that. I’ll follow your lead, but I’m not going anywhere.”
I can’t help it, the corner of my mouth tugs with a need to smile through my tears and aching cheeks. “Damn, you and Connor are too alike. I keep hearing that sentence.”
My dad smirks to himself. “He’s a good guy.”
My eyes nearly bug out. “Did you just say that?”
He scoffs and a droll smile forms. “After you both got married, and he told me he knew, I was scared. Took me off guard, but then he promised that you wouldn’t get hurt, and it turns out we’re on the same team. Then when you arrived for the photos for that article, we both looked at you, so beautiful, and it was apparent that he will take care of you the way I would expect.”
I would say that it doesn’t make sense, considering Connor hated me then, but it turns out he never hated me at all. He’s been harboring his feelings for me, and everyone could see except me.
My dad continues, “I attempted to give him a lecture when he informed me that he knew, but no shit, your husband literally told me, ‘Don’t bother with the lecture, Spencer. I have every intention of ensuring she’s well taken care of and has a happy life. I’ll do whatever it takes. Hadley’s heart is mine, so get used to it.’”
I chortle because that sounds like him. “Always assumed you weren’t his biggest fan.”
“I don’t like hockey players. There’s a difference.”
“News flash, that’s his career.” I appreciate that our conversation moves in a comforting way, as though we may be all right, even if we’re not there yet.
My dad scratches his cheek. “He’s one of the good ones. Connor kept the secret for far too long to protect you, so he is as good as gold to me. Because he sees exactly what I do. You adore your family, and we adore you. We thought it was the right thing to do.”
I notice that my tears have subsided and I’m at last blinking normally. “Time will tell if it is.”
The sound of Connor coming in through the garage door brings our attention to him. He walks in carrying a tray of coffees and a bag of what is probably pastries. Connor’s eyes bounce between my dad and me, unsure of the scene.
Connor clears his throat. “Hey.” It’s an awkward greeting, probably because he knows he conspired.
I give him a pointed look. “Ambushing me?” I indicate to my father.
Connor sets the tray down and his face stays neutral. “He wanted to talk to you, and I thought it would maybe help.”
My father stands up. “I think we’ve talked enough today, as I know it’s a lot to take in. I’ll leave you two alone.” He walks to me and brings his arm out, hoping for a hug, but I don’t move and his arm falls, his face disappointed. “I’ll check in again tomorrow. I love you, Hadley.”
I nod that I heard him and watch him leave, touching Connor’s shoulder in passing. My heart cracking but not broken.
Connor steps in my direction with that look that is pure confidence. “You’re not angry with me. Even if you don’t want to admit it, you needed to hear from Spencer.”
It wasn’t horrible, better than last night, just… it’s raw.
I grumble a sound before I begin to stomp out of the kitchen. “Space and time, Con. That’s the only way we’ll all come out of this,” I declare.
21
CONNOR
Skating across the ice, I hate that I left Hadley at home. Well, she might be celebrating. She’s been itching to have some space for a few days now. I could tell that she is growing tired of my constant check-ins and chivalrous gestures, like bringing her favorite coffee from Jolly Joe’s or cooking for her even if she isn’t that hungry. The only thing she doesn’t seem to mind is when I’m inside of her.
I just didn’t want to leave her alone, considering how the past week has gone.
But she insisted that I stay committed to my duties of volunteering at my dad’s summer hockey camp for developing skills, plus I need to ensure that I stay in shape by keeping up with my workouts, as the new season is fast approaching, and I don’t want my mind out of the game.
